Are You Blowing the Interview in the First 90 Seconds?

Most hiring managers will start the interview off by asking, “Tell me about yourself.” How you answer this question could determine immediately if the job is yours.

According to research, 33% of bosses know within the first 90 seconds of an interview whether or not they will hire someone. This is just enough time to make a good first impression and present an elevator pitch that starts you off on the right foot. Follow these tips to help you craft a pitch that will get you the job.

Research. Then More Research

The value of this point cannot be understated. When you prepared for tests, did you just glance over your material once and call it a day? The preliminary research is the most important aspect of preparing your pitch for primetime during the interview.

Use every resource at your disposal (the company websites, social media pages, etc.) to gather as much information as you can about the company, the culture, and the hiring manager. Your pitch must address all of these things.

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

This is where the information you have gathered will be put to use. Based on what you know about the company, what makes you an attractive candidate? The answer to this question will inevitably be the basis for your entire pitch. Find out to the best of your knowledge what the hiring manager is looking for and use your pitch to address each and every doubt he or she might have.

Make the Pitch About Them, Not You

Why is this interview being conducted? You might say its purpose is to get yourself a job, but the hiring manager will surely beg to differ. This is not to say that the company doesn’t and will not care about you, but at the end of the day, they are looking to fill a position.

Using your pitch as a mere career summary is less effective. You are not here to summarize, you are here to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job. Tell the company what they want to hear about you, not what you want to say about yourself.

Practice Makes a Better Pitch

Once you have an idea of what you want to say in your pitch, practice it whenever and with whomever you can. Pitch yourself to your parents, your friends, and your mirror. Practice it so you can hit it out of the park on game day. Remember that confidence speaks louder than words.